o2 is chasing Telekom & Vodafone: Germany’s cell phone networks in comparison

A contract change is imminent or do you want to know which is the best mobile operator for you? Annual network tests provide an overview. The current result: The German networks are getting better and better, o2 can clearly catch up to Vodafone and Telekom.

Network tests: Telekom ahead, but the gap is melting

The test season for Germany’s mobile networks has begun. Telekom is the clear winner. But the gap to Vodafone (2nd place) and Telefónica / o2 (3rd place) is shrinking noticeably. The network operators can improve across the board, network coverage and quality are developing in the right direction.

Telekom was the test winner in both studies with a clear, albeit shrinking, distance: Telekom gets 944 out of 1,000 points with connect (Vodafone: 913; o2: 874), an overall score of 1.3 with Chip (Vodafone: 1.4; o2: 1.8). This emerges from the respective investigations of the two major network tests (issues 01/2022).

This year’s tests by connect and Chip found steady improvements for the majority of the tested categories. All network operators are increasing the download speed. This is where UMTS shutdown pays off. The network coverage in the 4G / LTE area is also developing well. o2 could almost catch up with Telekom and Vodafone. However, the coverage is not complete.

Vodafone, o2, Telekom: catching up on the rails

For example, the mobile Internet, which has the highest priority in the ratings, as well as telephony and general network availability were tested. It is noticeable: All providers on the train have deficits. O2 must also continue to work on closing the gap in the LTE network and on the further expansion of 5G, according to Chip’s test.

In both tests it is clear: Even with the increasingly important one Telekom has the edge in the 5G network. In some large cities, Vodafone can also convince, but in others o2 is now an at least equivalent alternative. In rural areas, 5G coverage is generally still patchy, but especially with CO2. Here, too, however, the following applies: All providers were able to increase compared to the previous year.

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For the network tests, Chip and connect each sent several teams through Germany, some by car, on foot and by rail. In addition, user data provided via the app was used. They showed the same tendency of the expert measurements. That speaks for the fact that the improvements will reach the customers.